Means for connecting electronic devices for communication with one another

ABSTRACT

An active electrical-optical rear wall for connection of electronic devices to be brought into communication with one another, in plug-in technology, whereby optoelectronic terminal installations for respective connection of an electronic device are arranged on the rear wall, which installations are connected, by means of unguided beam connections, with optical transmission channels that connect adjacent terminal installations with one another, whereby each terminal installation respectively comprises one optoelectrical transmission and reception unit per transmission channel, which unit can be connected, by means of an optical unguided beam connection, with an optoelectrical transmission and reception unit of an electronic device that is to be connected to this terminal installation. The transmission channels form a bus whose operation is completely independent of whether electronic devices are connected to terminal installations or not. conventional bus operation and a broadcast are both possible, as well as a combination of conventional bus operation with additional broadcast.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to optical connections betweenelectronic devices for communication with one another. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to optoelectronic connectorsfor electronic devices which can assume the function of a data bus, abroadcast network or a combination of the two.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Electronic devices can be brought into communication with one another bymeans of buses, which have acquired enormous importance in datatechnology. This is due in particular to the fact that a bus representsa very universal data network to be used, which permits a plurality evenof very different electronic devices to communicate with one another.

Until now, the data throughput of a bus given by word length times datarate had low values. The data rate amounted to a maximum of a fewMbit/s; the word length was generally 8 bits for external buses and 16bits for internal buses. Very simple data lines could be used, in whichit was hardly necessary to pay attention to matching of wave resistancesor crosstalk. In the meantime, data throughput demands have increasedsharply, and will increase further in the future due to the increaseduse of parallel computers, as well as external mass memories (sharedmemories). In buses constructed with purely electrical lines, the datathroughput is actually increased by an enlargement of the bus width, butwith purely electrical lines, one runs increasingly up against limits.In general, it can be assumed that data rates up to a maximum of about100 to 400 Mbit/s are still possible for electrical bus lines (see 1 and2). If, beyond this, it is desired to reach higher data rates, or toreduce the dimensions of the bus because insufficient surface isavailable, it is necessary to work with optical methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the aim of providing an activeelectrical-optical means for connecting electronic devices to be broughtinto communication with one another, which means can assume the functionof a bus, of a broadcast network, or else also a combination of thesetwo.

In the form of an active electrical-optical rear wall, the inventivemeans is advantageously suited for electronic devices in plug-intechnique, e.g. a housing as a frame, e.g. 19" frame, electronics asplug-in cards, and particularly for newer construction techniques, suchas e.g. with multi-clip modules (MCM).

Through the use of optical transmission channels in the form of opticalwaveguides, a maximally high packing density can be achieved even forhigh data rates, which packing density lies well above that ofelectrical lines.

The replacing of electrical plugs with optical unguided beam connectionsat the inputs and/or outputs, to be coupled to the optical transmissionchannels, of the terminal installation, and in the inputs and outputsallocated to the electronic devices, has the advantage of a channeldensity that is considerably higher (by a factor of about 10 to 20) incomparison with electrical plugs, and in addition there is no crosstalkdue to radiation at the plug connection, as well as no impulsedistortion due to inductive effects. In addition, the mechanical forcesrequired for plugging and withdrawal of the cards are greatly reduced,since only a few electrical plugs are still required, mainly for thecurrent supply.

The present invention also comprises a version in which the transmissionchannels are electrical channels, whereby each transmission channelcomprises at each end an optical input and output, optically connectedwith an input and/or output of an optoelectronic terminal installation,and at each end of the transmission channel an optoelectrical transduceris provided for the conversion of optical signals into electricalsignals and vice versa. This corresponds to a replacement of electricalplug connections with optical connections, e.g. optical plugs.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for opticallyand electrically connecting a plurality of electronic components whichcomprises a plurality of spaced-apart optoelectronic terminals arrangedon a base element. Each optoelectronic terminal is connected to anelectronic component. Each terminal further comprises a left sideoptical input and output and a right side optical input and output. Atleast one input of each terminal being optically connected to atransmitter that is connected to the electronic component associatedwith the terminal and at least one output of each terminal beingoptically connected to a receiver which in turn is connected to theelectronic component associated with that terminal. Adjacent terminalsare connected by transmission channels which link at least one output ofone terminal to an input of an adjacent terminal and the inputs andoutputs of the respective right and left sides of each terminal are, inturn, optically connected by a parallel connection channel.

In an embodiment, the parallel connection channels are furthercharacterized as being optoelectrical channels.

In an embodiment, the electronic components transmit an optical signalto both the right side optical input and the left side optical input ofthe terminal to which they are connected.

In an embodiment, at least one of the electronic components receives anoptical signal from both the right side optical output and the left sideoptical output of the terminal to which they are connected.

In an embodiment, at least one electronic component transmits a singleoptical signal from the transmitter to either the right side opticalinput or the left side optical input of the terminal to which it isconnected.

In an embodiment, at least one of the transmission channels comprises anoptical waveguide.

In an embodiment, at least one of the transmission channels is opticallyconnected to its respective terminal by an optical unguided beamconnection.

In an embodiment, at least one of the transmitters is opticallyconnected to its respective terminal by an optical unguided beamconnection.

In an embodiment, at least one of the receivers is optically connectedto its respective terminal by an optical unguided beam connection.

In an embodiment, at least one of the electronic components is opticallyto its respective terminal by an optical unguided beam connection.

In an embodiment, at least one optical multiplexer/demultiplexer isdisposed on the base element between the transmission channels ofadjacent terminals.

In an embodiment, the connection channel that connects the optical inputof the right side of a terminal to the optical output of the left sideof the terminal comprises a first optical detector which detects anoptical signal supplied from the input of the right side and which inturn produces a first electrical signal corresponding to the opticalsignal supplied from the input of the right side. The connection channelfurther comprises a first controllable optical transmitter connected tothe first optical detector which receives the first electrical signaland produces a first optical signal corresponding to the firstelectrical signal. The first optical signal is then communicated by thefirst transmitter to the output of the left side. Similarly, aconnection channel that connects the optical input of the left side ofthe terminal with the optical output of the right side of the terminalcomprises a second optical detector which receives an optical signalsupplied from the input of the left side and which generates a secondelectrical signal corresponding to the optical signal supplied from theinput of the left side. This connection channel further comprises asecond controllable optical transmitter which is connected to the secondoptical detector and which receives the second electrical signal and, inturn, generates a second optical signal which is communicated to theoutput of the right side.

In an embodiment, amplifiers are used to amplify the first and secondelectrical signals.

In an embodiment, the component optical signal produced by thetransmitter of the electrical component is received by both the firstand second optical detectors. As a result, the first optical detectorproduces a third electrical signal which corresponds to the componentoptical signal communicated from the transmitter. The third electricalsignal is communicated to the first controllable optical transmitterwhich in turn generates a third optical signal and communicates thethird optical signal to the output of the left side. Similarly, thesecond optical detector produces a fourth electrical signal in responseto the receipt of the component optical signal from the transmitter ofthe electrical component and, in turn, transmits the fourth electricalsignal to the second controllable optical transmitter. The secondcontrollable optical transmitter in turn generates a fourth opticalsignal corresponding to the fourth electrical signal and communicatesthat fourth optical signal to the output of the right side.

In an embodiment, the first and second controllable optical transmitterseach comprise a semiconductor laser which includes two opposinglydirected radiation exit windows which effectively convert an electricalsignal into two oppositely directed optical signals, one of which isdirected toward an output (either a right output or a left output) andthe other of which is deflected toward a receiver connected to theelectrical component associated with the terminal. Accordingly, anelectrical signal received from an optical detector is transmitted by asemiconductor laser to both a receiver connected to the electricalcomponent as well as to an output. Using the terminology discussedabove, an electrical signal received by the first controllable opticaltransmitter which includes a semiconductor laser will split anelectrical signal received from the first optical detector into anoptical signal directed toward the left output of the terminal as wellas into an optical signal directed toward a receiver connected to theelectrical component. Similarly, an electrical signal received by thesecond controllable optical transmitter (which comprises a semiconductorlaser) will be split into an optical signal directed toward the rightoutput of the terminal as well as to an optical signal directed toward areceiver connected to the electrical component associated with theterminal.

Still further, in an embodiment, semitransparent deflecting mirrors areemployed to split an optical signal being directed from a semiconductorlaser or controllable optical transmitter to an output. Specifically, afirst semitransparent deflecting mirror disposed between the firstcontrollable optical transmitter and the left side output splits asignal being sent from the first controllable optical transmitter towardthe left output into a signal sent to the left output as well as asignal directed toward the second optical detector. The portion of thesignal directed toward the second optical detector may be furtherdirected by employing additional mirrors. Similarly, an optical signalbeing communicated from the second controllable optical transmittertoward the right output of the terminal may be split by a secondsemitransparent deflecting mirror into an optical signal directed towardthe right output as well as an optical signal directed toward the firstoptical detector. Again, additional directing mirrors may be employed toredirect the signal from the semitransparent deflecting mirror towardthe first optical detector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail by means of examples in thefollowing specification on the basis of the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective schematic view of the present invention inthe form of a rear wall with inventive optoelectronic terminalinstallations, arranged at a distance from one another, for electronicdevices in the form of plug-in cards that are optically connected to thetransmission channels via the terminal installations,

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the present invention that iswired as a bus,

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the present invention wired as a broadcastnetwork,

FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of the present invention in theform of a rear wall with inventive optoelectronic terminalinstallations, arranged at a distance from one another, for electronicdevices in the form of plug-in cards that are optically connected to thetransmission channels via the terminal installations, whereby, incontrast to the means according to FIG. 1, opticalmultiplexers/demultiplexers are arranged in the transmission channels ineach terminal installation,

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a transmission and reception unitof a terminal installation, which unit is allocated to a singletransmission channel, and which optically connects an input and/oroutput of a row of said terminal installation, which input and/or outputis allocated to said channel, with an input and/or output, allocated tosaid channel, of the other row of said terminal installation, andillustrates a transmission and reception unit, optically connected withsaid transmission and reception unit, of an electronic device connectedto this terminal installation, and

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the presentinvention as illustrated in to FIG. 5.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scaleand that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols,phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. Incertain instances, details which are not necessary for an understandingof the present invention or which render other details difficult toperceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, thatthe invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodimentsillustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The inventive means shown in FIG. 1 for connecting electronic devicescomponents 1 to be brought into communication with one another consistsof a number of optoelectronic terminal installations 2, which areprovided from a bearer or base element 10, e.g. a rear wall of ahousing, and are arranged at a distance from one another, and areprovided for the respective connection of one electronic device 1, e.g.a plug-in card.

Each terminal installation 2 comprises two rows 20 in the form of aright side and a left side, each having a number N of optical inputsand/or outputs 21, N being the same number for both rows 20, for thetransmission and reception of optical signals.

As is specified later in connection with FIG. 5, each input and/oroutput 21 of each row 20 respectively comprises at least one componentoptical input 22, which is optically connected or can be opticallyconnected with this input and/or output 21, for the reception of acomponent optical signal produced by a transmitter 4, allocated to thisinput 22, of a connected electronic device 1, and respectively comprisesat least one component optical output 23, which is optically connectedor can be optically connected with this input and/or output 21, for thetransmission of an optical signal to an optical receiver 5, allocated tothis output 23, of this connected electronic device 1.

The inputs and/or outputs 21 of two mutually allocated rows 20 ofrespectively adjacent terminal installations 2 can be connected with oneanother, preferably in parallel, by means of e.g. parallel transmissionchannels 31, of which each, according to FIG. 4, comprises opticalinputs and/or outputs 31₁ for the coupling in and/or coupling out ofoptical signals into and out of this transmission channel 31.

The inputs and/or outputs 21 of the two rows 20 of each terminalinstallation 2 are connected in parallel with one another or can beconnected in parallel with one another by means of parallel opticalconnection channels 32, which are described later in connection with atransmission and reception unit of the terminal installation 2.

In connection with FIG. 5, it is also specified that each terminalinstallation 2 and each electronic device 1 comprises one transmissionand reception unit per transmission channel 31, and that mutuallyallocated transmission and reception units of the terminal installation2 and of the device 1 connected to this terminal installation 2 ensuesby means of an optical unguided beam connection, so that no electricalplugs are necessary, except those for the power supply of the respectivecard. The signal is also regenerated in each terminal installation. Thedesign allows a modular construction, since for each additionallyrequired electronic device 1, only one terminal installation 2respectively needs to be installed on the bearer element 10.

The transmission channels 31 form a bus 3 whose operation is completelyindependent of whether electronic devices 1 are connected to terminalinstallations 2 or not. An exchange of electronic devices 1 duringoperation is thus possible without disturbance.

FIG. 1 indicates the inputs and/or outputs 21 of each terminalinstallation by means of black dots on the transmission channels 31,which are represented by horizontal black lines, whereby, for the sakeof clarity, not all the e.g. twelve represented inputs and/or outputs ofeach row 20 of each terminal installation 2 are provided with thereference character 21, and not all of the e.g. twelve representedtransmission channels are provided with the reference character 31. Ingeneral, the number of transmission channels 31 is equal to N and thenumber of terminal installations 2 is equal to M, whereby N and M arerespectively whole numbers that in principle can be chosen arbitrarily.

The inventive means can be constructed by means of a correspondinglayout for all standardly known modes of operation.

1) Each electronic device 1 exploits equally the full width of the bus3. According to FIG. 2, each electronic device 1 comprises one opticaltransmitter 4 per transmission channel 31, which transmitter transmitsoptical signals on this channel 31, and one optical receiver 5, whichreceives optical. signals from this channel 31, so that transmission andreception take place on each channel 31. There is always only onetransmitter 4 and many receivers 5, of which one switches automaticallyto further reception by means of the address recognition, e.g. bysending back a signal for reception readiness. For example, anelectronic device 1 transmits on all channels 31; the other devices 1listen.

2) At least one fixedly defined transmission channel 31 is allocated toeach electronic device 1, on which channel only this electronic device 1transmits. Thus, e.g. according to FIG. 3 the first transmission channel31 is allocated to the first device 1, on which channel only this firstdevice 1. transmits with an optical transmitter 4, while this firstdevice receives from each of the remaining transmission channels 31 withone receiver 5 respectively. The second channel 31 is allocated to thesecond device 1, on which channel only this second device 1 transmitswith an optical transmitter 4, while this second device receives fromeach of the remaining channels 31 with one receiver 5 respectively. Thethird channel 31 is allocated to the third device 1, on which channelonly this third device 1 transmits with one transmitter 4, while thisthird device 1 receives from all remaining channels 31 with one receiver5 respectively. Finally, the Nth channel 31 is allocated to the Mthdevice 1, on which channel only this device 1 transmits with atransmitter 4, while this device 1 receives from all remaining channels31 with one receiver 5 respectively. In this way, a broadcast ispossible in which each receiver 5 knows from the outset from whichelectronic device 1 the data are coming. For example, each electronicdevice is entitled to one channel 31 on which it transmits; the otherdevices 1 listen.

The electronic devices 1 according to FIG. 3 can be constructed exactlyas the devices: 1 according to FIG. 2, i.e. each device 1 according toFIG. 3 can respectively comprise one transmitter 4 and one receiver 5per channel 31. The difference of a device 1 according to FIG. 3 incontrast to a device 1 according to FIG. 2 consists only in that, of allthe existing transmitters 4, only one determined transmitter 4 isreleased for transmission, and the other transmitters 4 are not. Incontrast, all receivers 5 can receive, e.g. also those not shown in thefirst device 1 according to FIG. 3, but as in the receiver 5 present inthe first device 1 according to FIG. 2, which receiver is allocated tothe first channel 31. In place of only one transmitter 4, according tothe number of present channels 31, a determined series of transmitters 4of an electronic device 1 can be released for transmission. Thereleasing can be carried out with set switches, e.g. DIP switches.

3) The bus operation according to 1) can be combined with the broadcastoperation according to 2), so that conventional bus operation isrealized with additional broadcast.

It is also possible to use a multiplex method on the bearer element 10.For this purpose, at least one optical multiplexer/demultiplexer isallocated to a terminal installation 2. For example, according to FIG. 4several, e.g. four, optical multiplexers/demultiplexers 14 are allocatedto each terminal unit 2, which multiplexers/demultiplexers are arrangedon the bearer element 10. A multiplexer/demultiplexer 14 can be e.g. anoptical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer, which receives severaloptical wavelengths from an electronic device 1 connected to therelevant terminal installation 2, and gives these wavelengths to anindividually allocated transmission channel 31, which in general, thusalso in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 3, can consist of anoptical waveguide. This multiplexer/demultiplexer 14 receives severaloptical wavelengths from this channel 31, and distributes them, in theallocated terminal installation 2, to an electronic device 1 connectedto this terminal installation 2.

A multiplexer/demultiplexer 14 call also be fashioned on an electronicdevice 1, as indicated for the electronic device 1 at the outer right inFIG. 4 in broken lines.

Through the use of a multiplex method, it is possible to achieve abetter exploitation of the optical transmission channels, or,respectively, to increase the reliability of the inventive means.Whether the multiplexers and demultiplexers are installed on the bearerelement 10, on the electronic devices 1, or else both on the bearerelement 10 and on the electronic devices 1, depends on the desiredcharacteristics of the data connections. All the combinations arepracticable.

FIG. 5 illustrates the principle of design of a transmission andreception unit, allocated to a single transmission channel 31, of aterminal installation 2, and of a transmission and reception unit,connected optically with said transmission and reception unit, of anelectronic device 1 connected to this terminal installation 2. Thetransmission and reception units, allocated respectively to the otherchannels 31, of this terminal installation 2, and of this connectedelectronic device 1, respectively comprise the same principle of design.

According to FIG. 5, the transmission and reception unit of the terminalinstallation 2 comprises an electro-optical connection channel 32 thatoptically connects the input and/or output 21, allocated to thistransmission channel 31, of a row 20 of the terminal installation 2optically with the input and/or output 21 of the other row 20 of thisterminal installation 2. The connection channel 32 could also be apurely optical connection channel, which comprises for example anoptical amplifier, e.g. an optical fiber amplifier, for a signalregeneration, which is possible given electro-optical design.

The connection channel 32 comprises an optical detector 321, allocatedto the input and/or output 21 of the left row 20 of the terminalinstallation 2, for the detection of an optical signal supplied by thisinput and/or output 21, and the production of an electrical signalcorresponding to this detected optical signal, and comprises acontrollable optical transmitter 322, allocated to this detector 321 andcontrolled by this electrical signal, for the production of an opticalsignal corresponding to this electrical signal, which optical signal issupplied to the input and/or output of the right row 20 of this terminalinstallation 2.

The optical signal from the input and/or output 21 of the left row 20originates from the input and/or output 31₁ of the left part of thetransmission channel 31, and is supplied to the input and/or output 21of the left row 20 of the terminal installation 2 as an unguided beamor, respectively, as freely propagating optical waves, so that anoptical unguided beam connection exists between these inputs and/oroutputs 31₁ and 21.

The connection channel 32 also comprises an optical detector 323allocated to the input and/or output 21 of the right row 20 of theterminal installation 2, for the detection of an optical signal suppliedby this input and/or output 21, and the production of an electricalsignal corresponding to this detected optical signal, and comprises acontrollable optical transmitter 324, allocated to this detector 323 andcontrolled by this electrical signal, for the production of an opticalsignal corresponding to this electrical signal, which optical signal issupplied to the input and/or output 21 of the left row 20 of theterminal installation 2.

The optical signal supplied to this detector 323 originates from aninput and/or output 31₁, of the right part of the transmission channel31, and is supplied to the input and/or output 21 of the right row 20 ofthe terminal installation 2 by means of an unguided beam, so that anoptical unguided beam connection also exists between these inputs and/oroutputs 21 and 31₁.

An input and/or output 31₁ of a transmission channel 31 can for examplebe a frontal surface of an optical waveguide that forms the transmissionchannel 31, through which surface light can exit from the waveguide andcan enter into the waveguide.

The electrical signal produced by each detector 321 and 323 ispreferably supplied to an electrical amplifier 325 or, respectively, 327allocated to this detector, which amplifier amplifies this electricalsignal. The amplified electrical signal from the electrical amplifier325 is supplied to the optical transmitter 322, e.g. via an electricalline 16₁, and the amplified electrical signal from the electricalamplifier 327 is for example supplied to the optical transmitter 324 viaan electrical line 16₂.

In addition, the terminal installation 2 comprises an optical input 22that accepts a signal by an optical transmitter 4 of the transmissionand reception unit, allocated to this transmission channel 31, of theelectronic device 1 connected to this terminal installation 2, andsupplies it to each of the two detectors 321 and 323.

In place of only one optical input, in the example according to FIG. 5two inputs 22 can also for example be provided, whereby one input isprovided for the beam supplied to the one detector 321 and the otherinput 22 is provided for the beam supplied to the other detector 323.

An electro-optical connection of this input 22 with the input and/oroutput 21 of the left row 20 of the terminal installation 2 is formed bythe detector 323 allocated to the input and/or output 21 of the rightrow 220 and by to the optical transmitter 324 allocated to this detector323. An electro-optical connection of the input 22 with the input and/oroutput 22 of the right row 20 of this terminal installation 2 is formedby the input and/or output 21 of the detector 321 allocated to the leftrow 20 and by to the optical transmitter 322 allocated to this detector321.

An optical signal produced by the optical transmitter 322 of theterminal installation 2 is supplied to a right output 23 of the terminalinstallation 2, while an optical signal produced by the opticaltransmitter 324 of the terminal installation 2 is supplied to a leftoutput 23 of this terminal installation 2.

An electro-optical connection of the right output 23 with the left inputand/or output 21 of the terminal installation 2, to which input and/oroutput this optical transmitter 322 is allocated, is formed by thedetector 321 allocated to this input and/or output 21 and by to thisoptical transmitter 322. An electro-optical connection of the leftoutput 23 with the input and/or output 21 of the terminal installation2, to which the optical transmitter 324 is allocated, is formed by thedetector 323 allocated to this input and/or output 21 and by the opticaltransmitter 324.

Each optical transmitter 322 and 324 preferably consists respectively ofa semiconductor laser with two radiation exit windows 32₁ and 32₂opposite one another, from which the produced laser radiation radiatesin directions opposed to one another. The laser radiation radiated fromthe radiation exit window 32₁ of the semiconductor laser 322 is suppliedto the input and/or output 21 of the right row of the terminalinstallation 2, and the laser radiation radiated from the otherradiation exit window 32₂ of this semiconductor laser 322 is supplied tothe right output 23 of the terminal installation 2. The laser radiationradiated from the radiation window 32₁ of the semiconductor laser 324 issupplied to the input and/or output 21 of the left row 20 of theterminal installation 2, and the radiated laser radiation of thesemiconductor laser 324 is supplied to the left output 23 of theterminal installation 2.

The two semiconductor lasers 322 and 324 are arranged on an axis 201that connects the input and/or output 21 of the left row 20 with theinput and/or output 21 of the right row 20 of the terminal installation2. Each semiconductor laser 322 and 324 radiates in both directions ofthis axis 201.

A semitransparent deflecting mirror 51 is arranged obliquely between theinput and/or output 21 of the right row 20 and the semiconductor laser322, at an angle of e.g. 45° to the axis 201, for the deflection, ate.g. a right angle from the axis 201, of at least a portion of theoptical signal, supplied from this input and/or output 21 along the axis201, and in order to let through at least a portion of the laserradiation emitted from the radiation exit window 32₁ of thissemiconductor laser 322 in the direction toward this input and/or output21.

A semitransparent deflecting mirror 51 is arranged obliquely on the axis201, between the input and/or output 21 of the left row 20 of theterminal installation 2 and the semiconductor laser 324, at an angle ofe.g. 45° to the axis 201, for the deflection out of the axis 201 of atleast a portion of an optical signal supplied from this input and/oroutput 21 along the axis 201, and in order to let through at least aportion of the laser radiation radiated from the radiation exit window32₁ of this semiconductor laser 324 in the direction toward this inputand/or output 21.

The portion deflected by the left semitransparent deflecting mirror 51,arranged between the input and/or output 21 of the left row 20 of theterminal installation 2 and the semiconductor laser 324, is supplied bya deflecting mirror means 50 to the detector 321 allocated to this inputand/or output 21.

Correspondingly, the portion deflected by the right semitransparentdeflecting mirror 51, arranged between the input and/or output 21 of theright row 20 of the terminal installation and the semiconductor laser322, is supplied by a deflecting mirror means 50 to the detector 323allocated to this input and/or output 21.

On the side of the other radiation exit window 32₂ of the semiconductorlaser 324, a deflecting mirror 55 is arranged on the axis 201, arrangedobliquely at an angle to the axis 201, for the deflection of the laserradiation that is radiated in the direction of this deflecting mirror 55from the other radiation exit window 32₂ of this semiconductor laser324, said deflection being in the direction to the left output 23,allocated to this semiconductor 3, of the terminal installation 2.

Correspondingly, a semitransparent deflecting mirror 51 is arrangedbetween the input and/or output 21 of the right row 20 and thesemiconductor laser 322, arranged obliquely at an angle of e.g. 45° tothe axis 201, for the deflection out of the axis 201, at an angle ofe.g. 90°, of at least a portion of an optical signal supplied from thisinput and/or output 21 along the axis 201, and in order to let throughat least a portion of the laser radiation radiated from the radiationexit window 32₁ of this semiconductor laser 322 in the direction towardthis input and/or output 21.

The portion deflected by this semitransparent deflecting mirror 51 issupplied to the detector 323 allocated to this input and/or output 21 ofthe right row 20, likewise by a deflecting mirror means 50.

Opposite the other radiation exit window 32₂ of the semiconductor laser322, a deflecting mirror 55 is arranged on the axis 201, arrangedobliquely at an angle of e.g. 45° to the axis 201, for the deflection ofthe laser radiation, radiated from this radiation exit window 32₂ in thedirection of this deflecting mirror 55, in the direction toward theright output 23, allocated to this semiconductor laser 322, of theterminal installation 2.

Each deflecting mirror arrangement 50 comprises two deflecting mirrors50₁ and 50₂, of which the deflecting mirror 50₁ deflects to the otherdeflecting mirror 50₂ the portion of the optical signal deflected out ofthe axis 201 by the semitransparent deflecting mirror 51. The deflectingmirror 50₂ supplies this portion to the allocated detector 321 or,respectively, 323.

It is to be noted that the inputs and/or outputs 21, the input(s) 22 andthe output 23 of the terminal installation 2 can be imaginary inputsrather than real ones, e.g. can be points in imaginary boundary surfacesof the terminal installation 2, through which light enters.

The manner of operation of the design according to FIG. 5 is as follows:

An optical signal, supplied as an optical unguided beam to the inputand/or output 21 of the left row 20 to the input and/or output 31₁ ofthe transmission channel 31, passes through the left beam shapingelement 17, strikes the left semitransparent deflecting mirror 51, isreflected upward by this semitransparent beam splitter 51, strikes theleft deflecting mirror 50₁, is deflected to the right by the mirror 50₁,strikes the right deflecting mirror 50₂, and is deflected by it onto theright photodetector 321.

The electrical signal of this detector 321 corresponding to the suppliedoptical signal is amplified in the electrical amplifier 325, and theamplified electrical signal is supplied through the electrical line 16₁to the right optical transmitter 322, which produces an optical signalcorresponding to the amplified electrical signal, which optical signalproceeds undeflected to the right through the right semitransparentdeflecting mirror 51, and through the right beam shaping element 17, tothe input and/or output 21 of the right row 20, and is supplied fromthis input and/or output 21 as an optical unguided beam to the inputand/or output 31₁ of the right part of the transmission channel 31, andin this right part is transmitted to the right, e.g. to a next terminalinstallation 2.

The radiation from the other radiation exit window 32₂ of the opticaltransmitter 322 is deflected upward by the right deflecting mirror 55,passes through the right beam shaping element 18 and proceeds as anoptical unguided beam through the right output 23 of the terminalinstallation 2 to the detector 5, allocated to this right output 22, ofthe connected electronic device 1, which produces an electrical signalcorresponding to the supplied optical signal, which electrical signal isamplified in the downstream electrical amplifier 15, so that the appliedoptical signal is present as electrical voltage or current in theelectronic device 1.

An optical signal supplied to the input and/or output 21 of the rightrow 20 from the input and/or output 31₁ of the right part of thetransmission channel 31 as an optical unguided beam passes through theright beam shaping element 17, is reflected upward by the rightsemitransparent deflecting mirror 51, strikes the right deflectingmirror 50₁, is deflected to the left by this deflecting mirror 50₁,strikes the left semitransparent deflecting mirror 50₂ and is deflectedby it onto the left detector 323. The electrical signal from thisdetector 323, corresponding to the supplied optical signal, is amplifiedin the electrical. amplifier 327 and is supplied to the opticaltransmitter 324 through the electrical line 16₂, which transmitterproduces an optical signal corresponding to this amplified electricalsignal, which optical signal proceeds undeflected to the left throughthe left semitransparent deflecting mirror 51 and through the left beamshaping element 17 to the input and/or output 21 of the left row 20, andfrom this is supplied, as an optical unguided beam, to the input and/oroutput 31₁ of the left part of the transmission channel 31, and in thisleft part is transmitted to the left, e.g. to a next terminalinstallation 2.

The radiation from the other radiation exit window 32₂ of thetransmitter 324 is deflected upward by the left deflecting mirror 55,passes through the left beam shaping element is, and is led through theleft output 23 of the terminal installation 2 as an optical unguidedbeam to the detector 5, allocated to this left output 23, of theconnected electronic device 1, which produces an electrical signalcorresponding to the supplied optical signal, which optical signal isamplified in the downstream electrical amplifier 15, so that thesupplied optical signal is present in the device 1 as an electricalvoltage or current.

In both cases, the optical signal is regenerated and passed through alock, and is additionally given to the optical device 1.

If in contrast the electrical device 1 is active, the opticaltransmitter 4 thereof, which is for example a semiconductor laser,radiates its light oil tile two detectors 321 and 323 of the terminalinstallation 2. the semiconductor laser 4 can be metallized on the rearside turned away from the terminal installation 2, since it has totransmit only in one direction.

An optical means 40 is usefully arranged between the detectors 321 and323 of the terminal installation 2 and the transmitter 4 of theconnected electronic device 1, which optical means combines thecharacteristics of a beam splitter and a beam shaping element. Thisoptical means 40 can be arranged in the terminal installation 2 or, asshown in FIG. 5, can be arranged in the electronic device 1 or betweenthe terminal installation 2 and the electronic device 1.

The optical installation 40 splits the light beam emanating from thetransmitter 4 into two sub-beams, of which one is supplied to thedetector 321 and the other is supplied to the detector 323, and at thesame time bundles or focuses each of these sub-beams onto the detector321 or, respectively, 323. The optical means 40 is preferably aholographically optical element. The optical signal produced by thetransmitter 4 of the connected electronic device 1 moves through theoptical means 40 in the two sub-beams to the detectors 321 and 323, isconverted into corresponding electrical signals that are supplied inamplified form to the optical transmitters 323 and 324 of the terminalinstallation 2, and are reconverted by these into corresponding opticalsignals that are supplied to the two inputs and/or outputs 21 of theright and left row 20. The information contained in these opticalsignals is thus transmitted both to the right and to the left in thepresent invention.

Various embodiments are possible for the design according to FIG. 5.Guided optical waves or freely propagated optical waves can thereby beselected in various combinations, whereby care must be taken only thatoptical waves should propagate freely at interfaces of the terminalinstallation 2 with optical channels 31 and with electronic devices, sothat an unguided beam connection is possible.

An embodiment of the design according to FIG. 5 is presented in FIG. 6,whereby only the part that lies to the right of the broken line 100 inFIG. 5 is represented, since the part lying to the left of this line 100is of analogous construction.

In this embodiment, the transmission and reception units contained inthe terminal installation 2, of which each is constructed as atransmission and reception unit according to FIG. 5, is arranged on asubstrate 110 that is to be fastened to the bearer element 10.

The substrate 110 can consist of a suitably chosen material, e.g. metalor also silicon, that satisfies the mechanical requirements as well asthe heat transfer requirements.

Besides the transmission and reception units, the optical transmissionchannels 31 are also attached to this substrate 110 in the form ofwaveguides that connect the individual transmission and reception unitsof different terminal installations 2 with one another.

The optical detector 321, the electrical amplifier 325 allocated to thisdetector 321 and the semiconductor laser 322 allocated to this detector321 are integrated in hybrid fashion on the substrate 110. The otherdetector 323, the electrical amplifier allocated to this detector 323and the semiconductor laser 324 (not shown) allocated to this detector323 are likewise integrated in hybrid fashion on the substrate 110.

The semiconductor laser 322 and the deflecting mirror 55 allocated to itare monolithically integrated. The same holds for the semiconductorlaser 324 and the deflecting mirror 55 allocated to it. Conventionaledge emitters can be used, in which one side is provided with a mirrorthat stands obliquely at an angle of e.g. 45° to the axis 201. Othersuitable laser diodes can also be used, if they radiate onlyhorizontally and vertically, as shown in FIG. 6.

The wavelength of the laser light is in principle arbitrary, since,given the short distances to be bridged here, damping differences arehardly present in the waveguides 31. Only the photodetectors 321 and323, but also the photodetectors 5 of the electronic devices 1, must betuned to the laser wavelengths. All previously standard wavelengths,from about 0.6 μm to 1.6 μm, can be used.

The optical means 40 and the beam shaping element 17 are constructed asa holographic optical element.

The beam shaping element 17 and the semitransparent deflecting mirror 51are monolithically integrated on a common bearer element 36 that isarranged on the substrate 110.

The semitransparent mirror 51 comprises a wavelength filter that letsthrough a wavelength λ₂ transmitted from the radiation exit window 32₁of the semiconductor laser 322 in the direction to the input and/oroutput 21 of the right row 20 of the terminal installation 2, buthowever reflects another wavelength λ₁ supplied from the waveguide 31through this input and/or output 21. The deflection means 50 isconstructed as a microoptical waveguide 50₃, on which the two deflectingmirrors 50₁ and 50₂ of the deflection means 50 are fashioned in the formof optically refracting surfaces that are arranged obliquely at an angleof e.g. 45° to an optical axis 503 of this waveguide 50₃. The deflectingmirrors 50₁ and 50₂, allocated to the input and/or output 21 of the leftrow 20, and also the deflecting mirrors 50₁ and 50₂ allocated to theinput and/or output 21 of the right row 20 of tile terminal installation2, can be integrated in this waveguide. For example, in the representedwaveguide 50₃, the deflecting mirror 50₂, which is allocated to thedetector 321, is also arranged and drawn in with broken lines. It istransparent for the wavelength λ₁, but acts in a reflecting manner oilthe wavelength λ₂, since it has to supply this wavelength to thephotodetector 321. In contrast, the deflecting mirror 52₂, allocated tothe detector 323, is transparent for the wavelength λ₂, and reflects thewavelength λ₁ to this detector 323.

The beam shaping element 18, which supplies the deflected laserradiation from the radiation exit window 32₂ of the semiconductor laser322 to the right output 23 of the terminal installation 2, isconstructed in the form of a lens.

The waveguides 31 are attached to a spacer element 35 attached to thesubstrate 110, so that they lie at the same height as the semiconductorlasers 322 and 324.

It is advantageous if the optical transmitters 322, which radiate to theinputs and/or outputs 21 of the right row of the terminal installation2, comprise a different wavelength than the transmitters 324, whichradiate in the direction of the inputs and/or outputs 21 of the left row20 of the terminal installation 2. For example, the transmitters 324radiate the wavelength λ₁ from the radiation exit window 32₂, and thetransmitters 322 radiate the other wavelength λ₂ from the radiation exitwindow λ2. In this way, it is ensured that no unavoidable losses ariseduring the deflection to the semitransparent deflection mirror 51containing the wavelength filter.

Although modifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled inthe art, it is the intention of the inventors to embody within thepatent warranted hereon all changes and modifications as reasonably andproperly come within the scope of their contribution to the art.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for optically and electrically connecting aplurality of electronic components, the apparatus comprising:a pluralityof spaced-apart terminals arranged on a base element, each terminalbeing connected to one electronic component, each terminal comprising aleft side optical input and output, and a right side optical input andoutput, the right side and left side optical inputs and outputscomprising a same number of channels for the transmission and receptionof optical signals, each terminal further comprising at least componentinput that is optically connected to a transmitter for receiving acomponent optical signal produced by the transmitter, the transmitterbeing connected to the electronic component that is connected to therespective terminal, each terminal further comprising at least componentoutput that is optically connected to a receiver for the transmission ofa terminal optical signal to the receiver, the receiver being connectedto the electronic component that is connected to the respectiveterminal, adjacent terminals being connected by a plurality oftransmission channels, each transmission channel connecting at least oneoptical output of one terminal to the optical input of an adjacentterminal and at least one optical output of said adjacent terminal tothe optical input of said one terminal, the optical inputs and outputsof the right and left sides of each terminal being optically connectedby a parallel connection channel comprisinga first optical detectordisposed between the input of right side and the output of the left sidefor detecting an optical signal supplied from the input of the rightside, the first optical detector producing a first electrical signalcorresponding to the optical signal supplied from the input of the rightside, a first optical transmitter connected to the first opticaldetector for receiving the first electrical signal, the first opticaltransmitter producing a first optical signal corresponding to the firstelectrical signal, the first optical signal being communicated to theoutput of the left side, a second optical detector disposed between theinput of left side and the output of the right side for detecting anoptical signal supplied from the input of the left side, the secondoptical detector producing a second electrical signal corresponding tothe optical signal supplied from the input of the left side, a secondoptical transmitter connected to the second optical detector forreceiving the second electrical signal, the second optical transmitterproducing a second optical signal corresponding to the second electricalsignal, the second optical signal being communicated to the output ofthe right side.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the parallelconnection channels are further characterized as being optoelectricalchannels.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic componentstransmit an optical signal to both the right side optical input and theleft side optical input of the terminal to which they are connected. 4.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the electroniccomponents receives an optical signal from both the right side opticaloutput and the left side optical output of the terminal to which theyare connected.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least oneelectronic component transmits a single optical signal from thetransmitter to either the right side optical input or the left sideoptical input of the terminal to which it is connected.
 6. The apparatusof claim 5 wherein at least one of the electronic components receives anoptical signal from both the right side optical output and left sideoptical output of the terminal to which it is connected.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, whereby at least one of the transmission channelscomprise an optical waveguide.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein atleast one of the transmission channels is optically connected to itsrespective terminal by an optical unguided beam connection.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the transmitters isoptically connected to its respective terminal by an optical unguidedbeam connection.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one ofthe receivers is optically connected to its respective terminal by anoptical unguided beam connection.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinat least one of the electronic components is optically connected to itsrespective terminal by an optical unguided beam connection.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one opticalmultiplexer/demultiplexer is disposed on the base element and betweenthe transmission channels of adjacent terminals.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one opticalmultiplexer/demultiplexer disposed on the base element and between atransmission channel and an electronic component.
 14. An apparatus foroptically and electrically connecting a plurality of electroniccomponents, the apparatus comprising:a plurality of spaced-apartterminals arranged on a base element, each terminal being connected toone electronic component, each terminal comprising a left side opticalinput and output, and a right side optical input and output, the rightside and left side optical inputs and outputs comprising a same numberof channels for the transmission and reception of optical signals, eachterminal further comprising at least component input that is opticallyconnected to a transmitter for receiving a component optical signalproduced by the transmitter, the transmitter being connected to theelectronic component that is connected to the respective terminal, eachterminal further comprising at least component output that is opticallyconnected to a receiver for the transmission of a terminal opticalsignal to the receiver, the receiver being connected to the electroniccomponent that is connected to the respective terminal, adjacentterminals being connected by a plurality of transmission channels, eachtransmission channel connecting at least one optical output of oneterminal to the optical input of an adjacent terminal and at least oneoptical output of said adjacent terminal to the optical input of saidone terminal, the optical inputs and outputs of the right and left sidesof each terminal being optically connected by a parallel connectionchannel comprisinga first optical detector disposed between the input ofright side and the output of the left side for detecting an opticalsignal supplied from the input of the right side, the first opticaldetector producing a first electrical signal corresponding to theoptical signal supplied from the input of the right side, a firstcontrollable optical transmitter connected to the first optical detectorfor receiving the first electrical signal, the first controllableoptical transmitter producing a first optical signal corresponding tothe first electrical signal, the first optical signal being communicatedto the output of the left side, a second optical detector disposedbetween the input of left side and the output of the right side fordetecting an optical signal supplied from the input of the left side,the second optical detector producing a second electrical signalcorresponding to the optical signal supplied from the input of the leftside, and a second controllable optical transmitter connected to thesecond optical detector for receiving the second electrical signal, thesecond controllable optical transmitter producing a second opticalsignal corresponding to the second electrical signal, the second opticalsignal being communicated to the output of the right side.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14 wherein a first electrical amplifier is connectedto the first optical detector, the first amplifier for amplifying thefirst electrical signal, and a second amplifier is connected to thesecond optical detector, the second amplifier for amplifying the secondelectrical signal.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the componentoptical signal produced by the transmitter connected to the electricalcomponent is received by both the first and second optical detectors,thefirst optical detector producing a third electrical signal correspondingto the component optical signal communicated from the transmitter, thefirst controllable optical transmitter receiving the third electricalsignal and producing a third optical signal corresponding to the thirdelectrical signal, the third optical signal being communicated to theoutput of the left side, and the second optical detector producing afourth electrical signal corresponding to the component optical signalcommunicated from the transmitter, the second controllable opticaltransmitter receiving the fourth electrical signal and producing afourth optical signal corresponding to the fourth electrical signal, thefourth optical signal being communicated to the output of the rightside.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first and secondcontrollable optical transmitters each comprise a first and secondsemiconductor laser respectively, each semiconductor laser having tworadiation exit windows disposed on opposing ends of the lasers, thelasers producing optical signals directed in opposing directions andexiting from the exit windows,an optical signal from one of saidradiation exit windows of the first controllable optical transmitterbeing directed toward an output of the left side of the terminal and anoptical signal from the opposing window of the first controllableoptical transmitter being directed toward a first receiver connected tothe electric component, an optical signal from one of said radiationexit windows of the second controllable optical transmitter beingdirected toward an output of the right side of the terminal and anoptical signal from the opposing window of the second controllableoptical transmitter being directed toward a second receiver connected tothe electric component.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the firstand second semiconductor lasers are disposed along a common axis,theapparatus further comprising a first semitransparent deflecting mirrordisposed between the first semiconductor laser and the output of theleft side of the terminal, the first semitransparent deflecting mirrordeflecting part of the optical signal from the first semiconductor laserout of the axis to the second optical detector, the firstsemitransparent deflecting mirror further permitting a portion of theoptical signal from the first semiconductor laser to pass through to theoutput of the left side of the terminal, the apparatus furthercomprising a second semitransparent deflecting mirror disposed betweenthe second semiconductor laser and the output of the right side of theterminal, the second semitransparent deflecting mirror deflecting partof the optical signal from the second semiconductor laser out of theaxis to the first optical detector, the second semitransparentdeflecting mirror further permitting a portion of the optical signalfrom the second semiconductor laser to pass through to the output of theright side of the terminal.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein aplurality of opaque defecting mirrors are disposed between the firstsemitransparent deflecting mirror and the second optical detector aswell as between the second semitransparent deflecting mirror and thefirst optical detector.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein at leasttwo opaque deflecting mirrors are disposed between the firstsemitransparent deflecting mirror and the second optical detector, oneof which deflects to the other deflecting mirror the portion of theoptical signal deflected out of the axis by the first semitransparentdeflecting mirror and the other of which deflects said portion of theoptical signal to the second optical detector, andwherein at least twoopaque deflecting mirrors are disposed between the secondsemitransparent deflecting mirror and the first optical detector, one ofwhich deflects to the other deflecting mirror the portion of the opticalsignal deflected out of the axis by the second semitransparentdeflecting mirror and the other of which deflects said portion of theoptical signal to the first optical detector.
 21. The apparatus of claim20, whereby the two opaque deflecting mirrors disposed between the firstsemitransparent deflecting mirror and the second optical detectorcomprise optically refracting surfaces of a first optical waveguidehaving an optical axis that guides the portion of the optical signal,said refracting surfaces are arranged obliquely at an angle to theoptical axis the first waveguide, andwhereby the two opaque deflectingmirrors disposed between the second semitransparent deflecting mirrorand the first optical detector comprise optically refracting surfaces ofa second optical waveguide having an optical axis that guides theportion of the optical signal, said refracting surfaces are arrangedobliquely at an angle to the optical axis the second waveguide.
 22. Anapparatus for optically and electrically connecting a plurality ofelectronic components, the apparatus comprising:a plurality ofspaced-apart optoelectronic terminals arranged on a base element, eachoptoelectronic terminal being connected to one electronic component,each optoelectronic terminal comprising a left side optical input, aleft side optical output, a right side optical input and a right sideoptical output, the right side and left side optical inputs and outputscomprising a same number of channels for the transmission and receptionof optical signals, each terminal further comprising at least twocomponent inputs, both of which are optically connected to a commontransmitter for receiving a component optical signal produced by thetransmitter, the transmitter being connected to the electronic componentthat is connected to the respective terminal, each terminal furthercomprising at least two component outputs each of which are opticallyconnected to at least one receiver for the transmission of a terminaloptical signal to the receiver, the receiver being connected to theelectronic component that is connected to the respective terminal,adjacent terminals being connected by a plurality of transmissionchannels, each transmission channel connecting at least one opticaloutput of one terminal to the optical input of an adjacent terminal andat least one optical output of said adjacent terminal to the opticalinput of said one terminal, the optical inputs and outputs of the rightand left sides of each terminal being optically connected by a parallelconnection channel comprisinga first optical detector disposed betweenthe input of right side and the output of the left side for detecting anoptical signal supplied from the input of the right side, the firstoptical detector producing a first electrical signal corresponding tothe optical signal supplied from the input of the right side, a firstcontrollable optical transmitter connected to the first optical detectorfor receiving the first electrical signal, the first controllableoptical transmitter producing a first optical signal corresponding tothe first electrical signal, the first optical signal being communicatedto the output of the left side, a second optical detector disposedbetween the input of left side and the output of the right side fordetecting an optical signal supplied from the input of the left side,the second optical detector producing a second electrical signalcorresponding to the optical signal supplied from the input of the leftside, and a second controllable optical transmitter connected to thesecond optical detector for receiving the second electrical signal, thesecond controllable optical transmitter producing a second opticalsignal corresponding to the second electrical signal, the second opticalsignal being communicated to the output of the right side.
 23. Anapparatus for optically and electrically connecting a plurality ofelectronic components, the apparatus comprising:a plurality ofspaced-apart optoelectronic terminals arranged on a base element, eachoptoelectronic terminal being connected to one electronic component,each optoelectronic terminal comprising a left side optical input, aleft side optical output, a right side optical input and a right sideoptical output, the right side and left side optical inputs and outputscomprising a same number of channels for the transmission and receptionof optical signals, each terminal further comprising at least twocomponent inputs, both of which are optically connected to a commontransmitter for receiving a component optical signal produced by thetransmitter, the transmitter being connected to the electronic componentthat is connected to the respective terminal, each terminal furthercomprising at least two component outputs each of which are opticallyconnected to at least one receiver for the transmission of a terminaloptical signal to the receiver, the receiver being connected to theelectronic component that is connected to the respective terminal,adjacent terminals being connected by a plurality of transmissionchannels, each transmission channel connecting at least one opticaloutput of one terminal to the optical input of an adjacent terminal andat least one optical output of said adjacent terminal to the opticalinput of said one terminal, the optical inputs and outputs of the rightand left sides of each terminal being optically connected by a parallelconnection channel comprisinga first optical detector disposed betweenthe input of right side and the output of the left side for detecting anoptical signal supplied from the input of the right side, the firstoptical detector producing a first electrical signal corresponding tothe optical signal supplied from the input of the right side, a firstcontrollable optical transmitter connected to the first optical detectorfor receiving the first electrical signal, the first controllableoptical transmitter producing a first optical signal corresponding tothe first electrical signal, the first optical signal being communicatedto the output of the left side, a second optical detector disposedbetween the input of left side and the output of the right side fordetecting an optical signal supplied from the input of the left side,the second optical detector producing a second electrical signalcorresponding to the optical signal supplied from the input of the leftside, and a second controllable optical transmitter connected to thesecond optical detector for receiving the second electrical signal, thesecond controllable optical transmitter producing a second opticalsignal corresponding to the second electrical signal, the second opticalsignal being communicated to the output of the right side, and whereinthe component optical signal produced by the transmitter connected tothe electrical component is received by the first and second opticaldetectors, the first optical detector producing a third electricalsignal corresponding to the component optical signal communicated fromthe transmitter, the first controllable optical transmitter receivingthe third electrical signal and producing a third optical signalcorresponding to the third electrical signal, the third optical signalbeing communicated to the output of the left side, and the secondoptical detector producing a fourth electrical signal corresponding tothe component optical signal communicated from the transmitter, thesecond controllable optical transmitter receiving the fourth electricalsignal and producing a fourth optical signal corresponding to the fourthelectrical signal, the fourth optical signal being communicated to theoutput of the right side.